Anderson files for state House

February 29, 2012

Blackfoot businessman, rancher and philanthropist Neil Anderson filed Wednesday to run for the Idaho House of Representatives District 31 Seat A.
"I am running for this office because I love Idaho and I have an affinity for the people who live here," Anderson said. "I've spent 40 years making a living and now that living is secure, I'm able to help in other ways.
"I believe I have the ability, the experience and the moral compass to provide competent, effective representation to my fellow residents in Bingham County and my neighbors throughout the state."
"Our citizens are our greatest asset," Anderson said. "We need to work to maximize their achievements."
In December 2011, Anderson retired from Edward Jones Investments where he has been a regional leader and general partner. He has also earned a Series 7 Securities License with the New York Stock Exchange. Before working for Edward Jones, Anderson worked as the area operations manager for U.S. West.
"A cost benefit analysis that's open to the public is what's needed in our government," Anderson said. "If it's done honestly, people will generally reach a consensus.
"It would be good to get to the point that people want to pay taxes because they see the benefit of it," he said. "Our current tax system is not a voluntary one."
"It is important to me that citizens work together to strengthen our system which, in turn, will strengthen the country," Anderson said.
"In my view, a legislator is not to be like Solomon and have all the answers. A legislator is to pull together people who who are competent, who can think together to come up to do things.
"First, an issue needs to be identified and then a solution devised," Anderson said. "Many times, the second is harder than the first."
Anderson has been a leader on various boards and organizations, including the Eastern Idaho Council on Industry and Energy, the Idaho Falls United Way, Bronco Boosters, Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce, Blackfoot Rotary Club, Prospectors Club and organizer of Cattle Kids.
In 2010, he served two weeks in the Idaho House. That was as a substitute for Rep. Jim Marriott when Marriott's wife died during the legislative session.
Anderson and his wife, Sue, have four sons, four daughters-in-law and 16 grandchildren.